We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2020 so many organizations dedicated initiatives to DEI in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. However, that created a mass need for DEI practitioners that the US didn’t truly have. So many individuals had great intentions; but very unfortunate impacts. So, DEI Labs is an organization that is setting the standard, holding the line, and raising the bar on DEI within corporate America.

What should our readers know about your business?
Currently I have started a DEI consulting firm in the middle of Texas during a “death to DEI” era. The pushback is unfortunate, but it doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bath water. Rather we should refocus, re-center in data, and refer to historical context and educate individuals on the macro-systems within which they work. We ensure organizations are always assessing on an objective-outcomes based assessment that is conducted site unseen and produces some of the most diverse teams within corporate America.
Using the economic gate keepers of America (Talent and HR professionals) we can single handedly change the wealth gap in America; by educating them on how to properly use their role for positive systemic change.

It’s one thing to start a business, it is another thing to try to change the narrative at the same time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m taking the crew to Galveston, we’re headed to LaKings for a Chocolate shake (maybe historic site seeing, there is more than most know). Then cruise down the seawall to the spot for a burger; then mosey over to east beach to walk it off.

Yes, dessert was first, and that is no accident. 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This whole entire organization is nothing without several individuals. Starting with my husband and my village who supports me at home with my actual baby, so I can continue working on my brain baby (DEI Labs). Secondly would be all of the individuals who collaborated in any way with the creation of our product, my assistants, actors, subject matter partners, the instructional designer who helped me with launching the Labs, along with filmers, editors, directors, and even the gentleman who cleaned our film sites over night; nothing happens without everyone involved. To groups who have believed in us and given us a platform to share our mission and story, thank you.

Thank you all

Website: dei-labs.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dei-labs/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@DEILABS

Image Credits
Images: Erin Jones On Set Images Filmatic – Orlando Brionnes

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